Limerick Women’s Caucus is a cross-party forum comprising of Limerick’s female councillors who come together collectively to inspire women to participate in local politics. The Caucus was established to discuss and campaign on issues predominantly facing women, and to raise awareness of the importance of improving gender balance, and the need for inclusivity and diversity in local government.
Ireland has a low rate of female participation in local government. Most recently, in the 2019 local elections, only 24% of elected councillors across the country were women. In Limerick, 20 women out of a total of 92 candidates ran in the 2019 local elections. Eight women were successful with a further female co-opted in 2020, leaving the percentage of women councillors in Limerick at 22.5% (9 out of 40). Unfortunately, no female candidate ran in the Newcastle West Municipal District of Limerick in 2019.
Limerick Women’s Caucus will aim to increase the percentage of female candidates in the 2024 local elections by exploring barriers and challenges affecting women’s participation. Improving the level of representation by women will allow for a more balanced input on policies and decisions at a local level. The Caucus will engage with local women and groups to highlight the need for more diversity in local government, and encourage more female leaders in their communities.
Limerick Women’s Caucus would like to acknowledge and thank the Women’s Collective Ireland - Limerick (formally Limerick Women’s Network) for their contribution in bringing us together. Their vision and support from the start, helped lead to the formation of the Caucus by Limerick City and County Council, and they will be forever part of our story.
Contact Information
If you, or a group you are involved with, would like to contact Limerick Women’s Caucus, or if you have an issue that you feel Limerick Women Caucus can assist with;
- Email: womenscaucus@limerick.ie
- Tel: 061 557150
Or alternatively contact any of Limerick City and County Council's nine female councillors directly.